Bachmann Online Forum

Discussion Boards => On30 => Topic started by: Max-Q on May 26, 2025, 09:37:52 PM

Title: 16ft Rolling Stock
Post by: Max-Q on May 26, 2025, 09:37:52 PM
Do the 16ft cars use the same trucks as the longer freight cars?
Title: Re: 16ft Rolling Stock
Post by: Fred Klein on May 27, 2025, 12:58:11 AM
I'm not familiar with any 16ft rolling stock in On30. The shortest that I own is 18 feet in length and from what I can see the trucks are somewhat more diminutive than those on the longer cars. However, I don't have any more details. Hope this helps.
Title: Re: 16ft Rolling Stock
Post by: Yard Master on May 27, 2025, 09:57:37 AM
Hi Max,

The 18 foot freight cars do not use the same trucks as the larger freight cars. They are "Low Frame 4'1" Arch Bar Freight Trucks." https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=487_490&products_id=5155 (https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=487_490&products_id=5155)

These trucks are also used on the discontinued 18' cabooses and Camp Cars.
Title: Re: 16ft Rolling Stock
Post by: Max-Q on May 29, 2025, 10:45:56 AM
Thanks! My mistake in thinking the shorter cars were 16-footers.

Taking the comparison further, re the standard length cars vs the 18ft cars, what is the overall length of the trucks/wheels as well as wheel diameter of each?
Title: Re: 16ft Rolling Stock
Post by: old pilot on June 06, 2025, 06:18:19 AM
Good morning all,

I'm curious as to whether the mentioned difference in the sizes of the trucks between the 18' and 26' cars causes any alignment problems for coupling/uncoupling between the two sizes. For me, it is a consideration for future purchases.

Thanks.

Old Pilot
Title: Re: 16ft Rolling Stock
Post by: Fred Klein on June 06, 2025, 12:32:43 PM
Old Pilot,

I have both 18ft and the longer (26ft?) rolling stock on my layout and have noticed no problems as far as coupler alignment. Depending on the car, long or short, the couplers may not be perfectly aligned across the top but are definitely within accepted tolerances. That is to say, so far I haven't experienced any spurious uncoupling. FYI, I use a mix of Bachmann and Kadee couplers interchangeably without any apparent issues. Hope this helps.
Title: Re: 16ft Rolling Stock
Post by: willis on June 06, 2025, 08:38:28 PM
the small 2 box car sets that sold in brown or gray look like they are 16 foot
i bought them in brown, they were listed as On30.
they came with 2 sets of doors.
they are narrower , shorter , and not as tall, but not HO size.
willis.   
Title: Re: 16ft Rolling Stock
Post by: willis on June 07, 2025, 11:29:53 AM
I am mistaken, looking at the box they came in it states they are supposed to be 18 foot cars.
they are tiny compared to the normal sized cars.
willis.